Tennessee Pulls Walk-On Derrick Brodus Off His Couch and Onto the Field

From the frat house to the football field — just another day in the life of Tennessee kicker Derrick Brodus. The walk-on freshman was not expected to play or even suit up for the Volunteers in last week’s game against Middle Tennessee. In fact, he wasn’t even at the stadium — he was lying on a couch in his fraternity house getting ready to watch the game when the call came. “We need you at the stadium. Now.”

Starting kicker Michael Palardy had been injured during practice on Thursday. Backup Chip Rhome pulled a muscle during pregame warm-ups, leaving Brodus as the Vols’ only available option at kicker.

A police escort picked Brodus up at his frat house and got him to Neyland Stadium just minutes before kickoff. But the freshman, who wasn’t even listed on the team’s depth chart, was up to the challenge, going 3-for-3 on PATs and kicking a 21-yard field goal, in the Volunteers’ 24-0 win. Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley awarded Brodus the game ball for his last-minute effort.